There are several categories of CAP membership.  Only the first three are active categories (Cadet, Seniors, and Cadet Sponsor) which require a small annual dues payment.   Note that you do NOT have to be a pilot to join!  However, cadet pilot training and senior add-on ratings may be available if your local squadron has the right personnel and equipment available.  There are many other membership benefits, ranging from awards and decorations to tax breaks.

Cadets. To become a cadet, you (1) must be at least 12 years old, or in the 6^th grade; (2) must be of good moral character; (3) must be in school or college and maintain a satisfactory academic record; (4) must be unmarried; (5) must be a U.S. citizen or legal alien admitted for permanent residence; or (6) approved by CAP headquarters for membership. Some conditions can be waived.

A cadet may not be an active military member, unless on extended active duty with the National Guard or Reserves. Cadets become senior members at age 18.

Seniors. To become a senior member, you (1) must conscientiously desire to promote the objectives and purposes of the CAP; (2) must be at least 18 years of age or a member of the armed forces, (3) must be a U.S. citizen or legal alien admitted for permanent residence, and (4) must submit to screening by National Headquarters, which includes fingerprinting and an FBI criminal background check. Final membership eligibility rests with the National Commander.

Cadet Sponsor Members.  These members are assigned to the same unit as their cadet child, grandchild or ward.  They assist the unit's cadet program with adult supervision, transportation, overnight chaperons and other cadet related tasks identified by the unit commander.  Small annual dues are required.  Contact the Rio Del Fierro commander for more information.

Aerospace Education Members. A special category of membership for the educational community who desire to promote the objectives and purposes of the CAP, but who do not wish to participate in the active membership program.

Business Members. A business or organization which demonstrate the desire to financially support the CAP missions and associated programs.

Honorary Members. This is actually a term of reference, not a category of membership. This group is limited to distinguished citizens such as members of congress, state governors, mayors, high-ranking military officers, etc.

REWARDS & RECOGNITION.  As a CAP volunteer, your rewards are not monetary, but they are as tangible as money in the bank.  Nothing compares to the sense of satisfaction that comes with a job well done, particularly if that job is saving lives or aiding communities.  As a CAP member, you will be recognized as a vital member of a national team with a tremendous heritage of serving those in need--and doing it well.   Advancement in Civil Air Patrol is clearly visible to your friends, family and business associates by the distinctive CAP uniforms with their military-style grade insignia, ribbons and badges.  Some members choose to quietly serve and not wear a uniform.

TRAINING.  Civil Air Patrol offers aerospace education and a wide variety of leadership and technical training opportunities for all CAP members, including Air Force correspondence courses.  Special training is also conducted for those participating in search and rescue as mission pilots, observers or ground team members.   Communications training is highly specialized and presents unique opportunities to network with other communicators from around the country.  These new skills, and the self-confidence that goes with them, make you even more valuable in the workplace and in other community activities.

UNIFORMS.  Civil Air Patrol members are easily recognized in the community since they wear a variety of distinctive uniforms. Since CAP is the official US Air Force auxiliary, members are also authorized to wear the Air Force uniform with distinguishing CAP badges and insignia.  Wearing Air Force blue is a tremendous way to publicly demonstrate support and affiliation with this branch of our Armed Forces.

MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS.  CAP members gather regularly at meetings and conventions around the country. There is also a national convention held in a different city every year.  Air travel to and from the convention may be provided by the Air Force if available.

INTERNATIONAL CADET EXCHANGE PROGRAM (IACE).  Each year a limited number of cadets and senior member escorts travel to a variety of foreign countries as part of an aviation cadet exchange program to further a program of international goodwill and understanding.

CAP SUPPLY DEPOT.  Civil Air Patrol operates a depot in Amarillo, Texas, which carries a large stock of aircraft parts and equipment at discount to members for their own aircraft.  Communications equipment of all kinds is also available.

RENTAL CAR DISCOUNTS.  The Hertz Corporation offers rental car discounts to CAP members for both business and pleasure travel.  A special Hertz identification card is furnished to each member upon request.  Rates and discounts may be obtained by calling Hertz at 1-800-654-3131.

CIVIL AIR PATROL VISA CREDIT CARD.  The CAP affinity VISA card offers senior members and the parents of cadets an opportunity to apply for a credit card that actually supports CAP.  Each time the card is used in a transaction, a donation is made by the bank to support CAP.  The CAP emblem and the member’s grade are embossed on the front of this distinctive credit card.

CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIP.  Civil Air Patrol members and their families are eligible to join the Maxwell-Gunter Credit Union (located at Maxwell AFB, AL).  MAX offers a variety of services including:

• VISA and MasterCard with no annual fee and lower interest
• Interest-paying checking accounts
• Low interest loans
• Money Markets, CDs, and IRAs
• For more information, call (334) 279-7550

TAX BENEFITS As a Federally chartered non-profit organization, Civil Air Patrol is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. This entitles members to claim various expenses as charitable contributions. These include: